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Mountains 101

Mountains 101­­ is a broad and integrated overview of the mountain world. This 12-lesson course covers an interdisciplinary field of study focusing on the physical, biological, and human dimensions of mountain places in Alberta, Canada, and around the world. Specifically, we'll study the geological origins of mountains, how they’re built-up and worn-down over time; we’ll learn about their importance for biodiversity and water cycles, globally and locally; we’ll explore their cultural significance to societies around the globe, and how that relationship has evolved over time; and we’ll learn how mountains are used, how they’re protected, and how today they’re experiencing rapid change in a warming climate.
At the end of each lesson, Mountains 101 will also provide learners with some smart tricks -- Tech Tips -- to safely enjoy time in the high alpine environment: from how to pick the best footwear for hiking to making smart decisions in avalanche terrain.
We’ll be delivering your online lessons from valley bottoms to mountaintops, from museums and labs, to alpine huts and other spectacular alpine sites, and we’ll do so with the help of a whole host of experts.
We invite you to join us for this online adventure! The mountains are calling...

Life SciencesBiologyPhysical Science And EngineeringEnvironmental Science And SustainabilityBasic Science

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What people are saying

We analyzed reviews for this course to surface learners' thoughts about it

highly recommend in 43 reviews

I highly recommend this course, and hope for Mountains 201!

Can highly recommend.

Highly recommend.

Even if you only have a passing interest in mountains, I would highly recommend this course.

I highly recommend the course.

i thoroughly enjoyed this course and would highly recommend it for the sake of knowledge acquisition but its breadth cuts across many different fields so it may not be a highly focused course if that is what someone is looking for.

I have never before taken an on-line course so I cannot rate this course versus others though I would highly recommend this Mountains 101 course to any "newbie" to on line courses like myself.

I'd highly recommend this course!

tech tips in 30 reviews

There are some areas that could be improved: Quizzes, pdfs of course notes, tech tips, background photo locations, etc.

Oh yes, and I liked the tech tips too.

You can tell that a lot of work went into putting the course together, including fun extras like the interactive map of locations visited and the tech tips at the end of each session.

The course instructors were clear, information was relevant and interesting, interactive maps were and related course material was beneficial, and the tech tips were informative.

And of course, the Tech Tips were very useful as well!

The Tech Tips added great advice for those of us who recreate in the mountains, the Mountain Map World gave me a global perspective, and lots of food for thought.

The tech tips with Matt and Laura (valuable learnings that I'm hoping I can find in a summary PDF) made the connection so I got far more than I bargained for.

Love the Tech Tips too!

university of alberta in 16 reviews

Thanks to the University of Alberta and their partners (Parks Canada, The Alpine Club of Canada) for making this course!

I often hike and camp on mountains and learned so much more about them from the two wonderful instructors from the University of Alberta.

On the basis of this course I will now always be on the look out for more courses from the University of Alberta.

Being hosted by the University of Alberta it was not unexpected that a lot of the visuals and visits were regarding the Alberta Rockies.

101 Mountain from the University of Alberta,Canada is the most extraordinary awesome course!

I would thank University of Alberta and Coursera for such a wonderful experience.

However, and I blame Coursera for this rather than the University of Alberta, when I was trying to re-attempt the final, week 12 quiz, suddenly I was unable to access the course at all: instead every link now goes to the course description/sign-up page.

As a result of this course, I will now be looking into Masters programs offered at the University of Alberta so that I too can be a part of the great research happening at this university.

guest speakers in 14 reviews

The guest speakers, field trips, tech tips and interactive map were all exceptional.

The professors and guest speakers come from a whole host of different backgrounds and disciplines, yet always ground concepts in mountain studies.

The presenters did an excellent job, the pictures, video clips and guest speakers were so well done.

The guest speakers were excited about their topics.

Great videos, great lecturers and guest speakers.

Was really impressed with all the ressources and even guest speakers.

The lectures are interesting and easy to follow, featuring a variety of guest speakers in gorgeous mountain settings.

Excellent lectures, with a variety of guest speakers.

easy to follow in 13 reviews

It gives you an idea of all aspects that concern Mountains, it's enjoyable and easy to follow also for non-native English students.

A very enjoyable well presented course, easy to follow and everything very well explained plus the tech tips are great.

I'm not a climber or know much of mountains at all really and found the design and prosecution of this course easy to follow and understand.

Wonderful presentation, easy to follow with the videos and following text.

Easy to follow video lectures with enthusiastic professors along with key guest speakers and experts.

The lessons are well organized, easy to follow, fun and interesting.

This was a fun course that was easy to follow with beautiful videos.

Presentation was very clear and easy to follow.

climate change in 12 reviews

The effect of climate change on the world’s mountains is analysed.

The course relates mountains and their nature to the current issues surrounding the global ecosystem, climate change etc., giving a very sound elementary education in how this all works, as well as covering every aspect of the alpine environment from how it's formed to what lives there, how and why.

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